Addiction Preventionhttp://www.soberforever.net/addictionblog
Wed, 30 Nov 2016 20:28:48 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=4.6.1Radio Show: The Power of Labels Over Addiction with Shira Goldberghttp://www.soberforever.net/addictionblog/index.php/power_of_labels_over_addiction/
http://www.soberforever.net/addictionblog/index.php/power_of_labels_over_addiction/#respondTue, 15 Apr 2014 19:27:03 +0000http://www.soberforever.net/addictionblog/?p=1113In this episode of the radio show, the host and Executive Director of Saint Jude Retreats, Michelle Dunbar, follows the tradition to open with a brief description of what Saint Jude Retreats is and the philosophy behind it. A layout

In this episode of the radio show, the host and Executive Director of Saint Jude Retreats, Michelle Dunbar, follows the tradition to open with a brief description of what Saint Jude Retreats is and the philosophy behind it. A layout of the topic on the power of labels over addiction follows. Trending topics in the local and national news are discussed in detail.

In The News:

Discussion of an article on addicts defying the “junkie” stereotype in The Herald News

Discussion of an article in the Psychology Today by Stanton Peele on Bi-Sexuality and Recovery

Discussion on an article about Addiction labels by Vicki Abelson in The Fix

Discussion on an article about Drew Barrymore’s occupation as a wine maker

The Interview:

The host Dunbar introduces the guest Shira Goldberg – a personal sober/recovery coach that focuses on evidence based, non 12 step alternatives to traditional addiction treatment. She is also the host of The Addiction Show, as well as a full time student at University of San Francisco, aspiring to become a psychotherapist.

Dunbar and Goldberg discuss the power of labels over addiction specifically, and in general. Goldberg shares her personal experience with overcoming substance use, her strategies to empower people through her sober/recovery coach practice, and her take on sober living houses.

The Listeners’ Questions:

Dunbar concludes the radio show by answering questions posted by listeners on the topics of motivation to stop drinking, as well as reconnecting and rebuilding a relationship damages through substance use.

“Philip” from Scotia, age 49: I had a drinking problem for most of my adult life. My wife supported me to get clean and did for awhile, but it kind of felt forced and I was angry all the time. Then I started drinking again and she left me and now I don’t know what to do. I don’t even feel like I want to stop drinking, there is nobody to do it for. I have a well paying job, but I don’t feel motivated to make any change at all. I just want my wife back but I know it can’t happen. How do I find a way to stop drinking, since my health is declining?

“Grace” from Troy, age 22: I grew up in a family where drugs were used on a daily basis. My father completely destroyed his relationship with my siblings and my mother ( who eventually left him)through his use of drugs. Now, 10 years later, he is trying to reach out, telling us that he is sober and wants to rebuild the relationship. I am really not sure how I feel about that. At first I was completely against it because I don’t trust him at all, and because of all the hurt he caused, but then he is still my father. I don’t want to regret not trying one day. What do you think I should do? Can an addict change?

]]>http://www.soberforever.net/addictionblog/index.php/power_of_labels_over_addiction/feed/05 Things You Can Do To Overcome Your Alcohol Problem Without the Label “Addict”http://www.soberforever.net/addictionblog/index.php/5-things-can-overcome-your-alcohol-problem/
http://www.soberforever.net/addictionblog/index.php/5-things-can-overcome-your-alcohol-problem/#respondFri, 21 Feb 2014 21:45:17 +0000http://www.soberforever.net/addictionblog/?p=1061How does alcohol affect your life? Your health? Your relationships? Do you have regrets based on choices, behavior and actions that you have taken when under the influence?

The disease theory of addiction, in this case alcoholism, might lead us to believe that people have little or no control over their drinking, because substance use (alcohol or drugs) is a brain disease. The concept of substance use being a disease alas is not new. Some of the earliest attempts to define alcohol use as a disease date back to the 19 century (Schaller, 2009, p.49) and what grew from them was a culture focused on defining alcohol and/or substance users in a way that will give “rational” explanation of the choices they make before, during and after drinking, as these choices are more often than not deemed socially unacceptable.

What do we know about “addicts”, as described by the disease model? It turns out the disease model knows a lot more about a person’s drinking or drug use than that person him/herself. For example, according to the disease model, if a person has a drinking problem, he or she is diseased, but most often in denial of that fact. If a person who drinks excessively is refusing to accept and recognize their substance use as an addiction, the disease model teaches us that this person is in denial.

The disease model is also working hard to convince society and the substance user that a person under the influence has no control over their choices, actions and behavior whatsoever. Not only that, but we are forced to believe that the only way to overcome an “addiction” is through treatment, because after all, this is what we do with people who are diseased- we treat them.

However, in order to be treated, a person first must recognize that they are “sick” with this incurable disease for the rest of their lives and they can do absolutely and positively nothing, to change that “fact”. In fact, these people are so “sick” that they will need treatment and support for the rest of their lives, and be considered constantly at risk of returning to their old habits.

But that is not all; the disease model goes way above that, stating that people are genetically prone to becoming “addicts”. In other words if a parent is “diseased” (i.e. alcoholic), the chances of his/her children being “diseased” are that much greater. The disease model doesn’t deem this to be a learned behavior in generational alcoholism, no. After all, these people are “sick” with incurable and hereditary disease, don’t forget.

Reading through the description of the disease model, is it difficult then to see that the stream of thought that is introduced by it, and more often forced upon the substance user and society in general, leads in a manner of speaking to a self-fulfilling prophecy?

Just imagine the gradation:

People are told they are sick. ( Bad)

Then they are told the disease is incurable. ( Worse)

Finally they are assured they cannot do anything to change the fact they are an “addict” (Worst)

But of course, substance users are assured none of this is their fault for the above mentioned reasons, and that is the only “positive” side of the disease model. It clears the substance user of all responsibility.

And here is where the line has to be drawn. If a substance user believes he or she holds no responsibility over their choices, actions and behavior, they will not do a single thing to change them. They will simply continue the learned pattern and “slip up” from time to time, because this is normal, acceptable and even expected, when you have the incurable disease “addiction”. In a way, when a person settles down in the comfortable chair of “addiction”, certain behaviors and choices are expected of them, in order to keep up with the disease charade, like relapsing for example.

The truth of the matter is that “there is much empirical support for the claim that addiction emerges as a function of the rules of everyday choice.”( Heyman, 2013) In other words, things are not as black and white as the disease model might want us to think. There are alternatives to the traditional alcohol treatment philosophy and the alcohol user can absolutely take action to overcome their alcohol problem that do not involve treatment and relinquishing their free will and choice.

Evaluate

How does alcohol affect your life? Your health? Your relationships? Do you have regrets based on choices, behavior and actions that you have taken when under the influence? If you are having trouble being honest with yourself, maybe it is not a bad idea to hear how the people around you are evaluating your drinking. Try to understand their reasoning, but do not force it upon yourself. Nobody knows better than you what the situation is, so give it your best try to be honest with yourself and with others about it.

Create a plan of action

Once you complete your evaluation, if you determined that you have an alcohol problem, it is time take responsibility for your choices, behavior and actions. Again, be honest. Own up to your situation and create a plan of action how you are going to improve it. Be realistic, but do not restrict your goals based on your past behavior, allow yourself to dream. This is the best way to change your self-image and improve your chances of success to stick to the plan.

Accept reinforcements

This is not mandatory, but you might find yourself in a situation where it is difficult to change your choices alone. There is nothing wrong in seeking help to fulfill your goals. Would that be your family, friends, educational program or else, it is entirely up to you. Whatever feels right for you and aligns with your views and philosophy is the right choice.

Stick to the plan

Change is never easy; however, it is entirely possible. If you want it strong enough and you truly believe that is the right choice for you, you can accomplish the goals you set in your plan. You just have to follow through, not because of anything or anyone else, but because you know it is your responsibility and your choice.

Move on

Sometimes when people deal with alcohol problem and they are taking action to change their situation, it is easy to go down the road of blame and shame. That is why it is important to learn how to move on. Take responsibility for your actions, behavior and choices, but once you do, let go. That is the first thing to do so you can begin rebuilding your life and make healthier choices- to realize that you can’t change the past, but you can for sure change the future.

In conclusion, there are many things a person can do to overcome your alcohol problem and the listed above are just a general overview. The most important thing that you have to do if you consider yourself having an alcohol use problem, is to make the choice to change your situation. Once you make the rational decision to make better choices, everything else will fall into place. Because after all, “addiction” is nothing but a choice, and it’s never too late to make the right one.

]]>http://www.soberforever.net/addictionblog/index.php/5-things-can-overcome-your-alcohol-problem/feed/0Can I do anything to prevent addiction?http://www.soberforever.net/addictionblog/index.php/can-i-do-anything-to-prevent-addiction/
http://www.soberforever.net/addictionblog/index.php/can-i-do-anything-to-prevent-addiction/#respondWed, 19 Jun 2013 20:41:11 +0000http://www.soberforever.net/addictionblog/?p=443Realizing that you may have an alcohol or drug use issue is a sign that you should exercise precaution when it comes to substance use. For many individuals that come from families where substance use is a problem, they may

]]>Realizing that you may have an alcohol or drug use issue is a sign that you should exercise precaution when it comes to substance use. For many individuals that come from families where substance use is a problem, they may find that they are sensitive to drugs and alcohol and may wonder; can I do anything to prevent addiction? There are some preventative steps that you can take to avoid drugs and alcohol that may help you in avoiding excessive and chronic substance use.

For many individuals, education regarding substance use is a useful tool in preventing addiction. Learning to develop positive behaviors and habits such as keeping a support of family and friends that do not have substance use and participating in activities that do not involve drugs and alcohol can go a long way in helping you prevent addiction.

The best addiction prevention begins in the teenage years since many youth begin experimenting with drugs and alcohol at the age of 13. The reasons teens turn to substance use are diverse and may include difficult transitions such as the divorce of parents, relocating to a different school or moving to a new state and having to make new friends. Some teens succumb to peer pressure, or in an effort to fit in may begin to use drugs and alcohol. While some teens simply go through an experimental phase with drugs and alcohol that they will grow out of.

Regardless of how old the individual is though, understanding how drug and alcohol use begins is a good place to start for preventing addiction. For example if you are using drugs for recreational purposes, overusing or misusing prescription drugs or drinking to get drunk; this is a sign that you may be developing counterproductive habits regarding substance use.

If you already have a drug or alcohol use problem, it is important that you get help now. Depending on how much substance use you have; the frequency of the use and how long you have been using; it may be necessary for you to go to a detox center. Detox will remove the chemical toxins that are a result of your substance use and clean your system. When you complete detox you will be ready to being your new life, substance free.

Many individuals find that after detox they need to enter a program that can help them rebuild their life after drugs and alcohol. There are a variety of rehab treatment and alternative programs available to help you stay on the right track and avoid drugs and alcohol such as 12 step programs, holistic programs and cognitive behavioral education programs.

Avoiding situations that may lead you back to, or into drug and alcohol use is an important preventative measure. We have all heard the saying, “You are the company you keep” and there is a lot of truth in that. If your only friends are individuals that use drugs and alcohol, then it is only a matter of time before you begin to do the same. However, having a plan for your life with goals and working towards them will help you develop different behaviors and habits as well as a different group to spend time with.

St. Jude Retreats offers a six week, cognitive behavioral education program that teaches guests to use self change and self assessment to make productive choices and to develop habits and behaviors that are positive and will ultimately help you achieve a happier life.